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Gdansk is a seafront city in Gothic style, where almost everything is painted gray and adorned with gold. Once a fishing village, today is an important sea port town on the Baltic Sea, where there live nearly half a million inhabitants.

If you visit the city in mid-June, it is likely that the weather is beautiful, perfect to ride slowly along the quay. This area is probably the most enchanting in Gdansk, although the cobblestone streets of the city will find many traditional Polish restaurants, pubs, craft shops and many other attractions.
The view of the keys of the city is seized by the Vistula River delta, the longest in Poland. Tall grass and green delta is highlighted by the blue waters of the Gulf. Work never ends here, from huge ships that go and come, to vendors selling merchandise over the freshest possible. Cobblestone bridges that stretch over canals city and there is even a restaurant built on one of them, famous for its incredibly tasty seafood they serve.

Gdansk

Gdansk

You should not miss the amazing Cathedral of St. Mary. It claims to be the largest brick building of its kind in the world, I can sit on seats 25,000 people. Once here, you can climb over 400 steps to reach the top. The incursion is not for the faint of heart, as some winding stairs are really steep. The feeling is really strange when you’re glued between churches, where you can almost see many of the details of ornamentation. In exchange for a tiny fee, you can take and lift.

The church tower has a height of 76.6 meters and can be seen from anywhere in town. It has a flat roof, and legend has it that a giant named Stolen used to come into town and use it as a chair. Platform that serves as the observer creates a very intimate atmosphere and to get there, you have much time to wait until your turn. Fortunately, there are days when the church is invaded by visitors. Once on the church roof, the view of the entire city and coastline simply cut your breath.

Another church that is worth visiting is the Oliwa Cathedral, which is an enormous organ with ropes and 1110 over 7,800 tubes. Cathedral hosts also tombs and incredible artwork.

National Museum in Gdansk, located in Suburbia Old Gothic art exhibit works from the 15th century is one of the most famous painting “The Judgement” by Hans Memling, stole countless nations (Napoleon’s troops, the Nazis and Russians) and that the right to repossess the city Gdansk. The building where the museum is now was once a Franciscan monastery and hospital for treatment of fever. Unfortunately, explanations of art works are only in Polish.

Fountain of Neptune, which depict the Neptune with trident in front of Arthur’s Court (Dwor Artus), symbolizes great relationship with the city Gdansk. Another characteristic feature of the city is represented by the entrance gates in it; built as defensive fortifications against invaders coming from the sea. You should really go on what was once the Royal Route, used for processions state, which lies along Dluga Street (Long Street) beginning at Upland Gate, one of the entrances to the city.

Gdansk shipyards (Stocznia Gdansk) is located in the north-west of the Old City, an area of Gdansk, not very attractive. Construction sites known as Lenin during the Soviet era Gdansk shipyards were the birthplace of the Solidarity protest movement, the early 80s there has become dynamic and courageous leader of Solidarity, Lech Walesa, who later was elected Poland’s president in 1990.

Another final detail of Gdansk is where he started the Second World War. Westerplatte, a small Polish garrison entered history through the heroic resistance that has proven for 6 days against a prolonged bombardment.

There is no person who has not heard about places like Paris, Barcelona or Rome – but Europe is untouched corners that can occur successfully in a top beauty and charm, with the added advantage of being away from the crowds. However, there are places at least as fascinating and beautiful and side are the old continent, which, unfortunately, are less known. Have a look on the list compiled by AboutEastern Europe and discover hidden gems four, but ready to welcome you with open arms, so you can discover the charm.

Lancut, Poland
Poland is full of castles, but Łańcut is truly a breathtaking place. Details of these aristocratic residences, impressive dimensions are delightful, and a tour of the palace takes you through beautifully decorated ballroom, which dominates chandeliers, bigger than you. The city shows a rich history of the Hebrew people and worth visiting Łańcut synagogue here: facade is a true masterpiece, charming by its magnificent columns and frescoes.

Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe

Klaipeda, Lithuania
A port city bustling with German-style taverns that studded cliff, Klaipėda is one of the most beautiful European destinations. Reserve a table at Memelis for a plate of cheese, olives and sausages that going for beer. Once you’ve calmed hunger and thirst, you can start exploring the Curonian Spit sands in the wild, found on the Baltic Sea. Make a trip to explore the forests, seafood and folklore of the region.

Tartu, Estonia
Those who come in this beautiful Baltic country, usually headed by Tallinn or the resorts on the island but the vibrant university town of Tartu, also not to be missed. Enters the centuries-old history of these places, making a visit to the tower university, where students serve their punishment once disobedient, or take a walk through the park Toomemägi. In addition, a dinner served in this city will not let bankrupt, so walks confidently in any premises near the university.

Olomouc, Czech Republic
If others have piled on Charles Bridge in Prague, you can enjoy tranquility in Olomouc, one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. Here you will find the same charm as the architectural capital, less chaos. Plus he has to turn a few aces up his sleeve: Horni Namesti astronomical observatory, holy halls of the monasteries dating from the 12th century and a place where you can eat to your heart: U Andela.

Poland is a beautiful country and everybody who came across it can’t argue. But, besides the best-known sights in Warsaw and Krakow, Poland has a lot or other enchanting things to offer to its visitors. For instance, did you know that Poland still has one of the oldest forests in Europe, which is dating from immemorial times? We have here a list of the five most interesting places that are probably less known to the general public.

Poland

Wielinczka Salt Mine

Located in the outskirts of Krakow, Wielinczka Salt Mine is considered one of the oldest companies in the world. In this place, salt is extracted continuously since the 13th century underground mine includes a small town where everything is carved in salt, including a small chapel which is said to have the best acoustics of all European construction. Dozens of ancient sculptures made of salt are combined with works by contemporary artists.

Bialowieza Forest

Bialowieza Forest is a remnant of the vast forest that covered Europe since the ancient times. Guarding the borders between Poland and Belarus, the forest is a tourist attraction for thousands of fans of bike rides or tracking. Also, Bialowieza is home to 800 species of protected wisent bison that are kept in a reservation.

Gdansk Old Town

Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk has a loaded history; the city was occupied in the 14th century by the Teutonic Knights, whose fortress displayed a striking contrast on the city that was then known as the Altstadt (or “Old Town”). In the 15th century, Casimir IV of Poland allowed the structures erected by the knights to be demolished. Currently, the historic Gdansk includes many constructions built during the 17th century, including mills, churches and granary.

Warsaw Old Market

Founded in the late 13th century, Warsaw, and its central market, represented the heart of Polish culture for five centuries. The original market was destroyed during the Second World War but was carefully reconstructed immediately after the cessation of the conflict. The market is a sculpture representing a mermaid, the symbol of the Polish capital.

Central Market in Krakow

Built in 13th century, the Central Market in the old part of Krakow, is the largest the medieval market in Europe and one of the main attractions of Poland. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, palaces and churches. The Center Market is dominated by The Cleric Principality, which was rebuilt in 1555 in Renaissance style.

Poland. A country that has crossed heavy centuries, full of conflicts, in order to reach the status of a modern and independent nation that is today. Those who visit Poland will discover its rich culture, extraordinary landscapes, historical buildings and delicious cuisine and we assure you that you will be full enthusiasm. We are offering you five suggestions of the most interesting places and sights to visit in Poland.

Wawel Castle

People have lived on the site on which Wawel Castle is built since the Paleolithic. The castle itself, located in Krakow, was built in the 14th century, commissioned by the Polish monarch Casimir III the Great. Built in Gothic style, the Wawel is hosting the best preserved part of the Polish Crown – the legendary sword Szczerbiec, used at the coronation ceremonies of the Polish kings from 1320 until 1764. Decorated with symbols and floral patterns, the sword has a notched handle, hence the name of “jagged sword”.

Poland

Auschwitz-Birkenau

A visit at Auschwitz-Birkenau is an experience that can hardly be transcribed into words. The immense size of the former Nazi concentration camp is the first thing that hits you as you approach the entrance of the museum in Oswiecim. Arranged in memory of over 1.1 million victims of the Nazi regime, who have perished here during the Second World War, Auschwitz-Birkenau has been visited by over 25 million people.

Masurian Lake District

This chain of lakes is located in the lower basin of the Vistula River at the border with Lithuania. More than 2,000 lakes, connected by an intricate system of canals and rivers form the most popular European lacustrian destination. The lakes are surrounded by hotels and camping trips and tourists often choose to visit the beautiful area by bicycle or make long boat rides to admire unique landscapes.

Slowinski Sand Dunes

Located in the north of the country, the sand dunes are part of the Slowinski National Park, located on the Baltic Sea coast. The park is named after the slovincina inhabitants who lived here long ago and the Kluki outdoor muezum dedicated to them will tell you more about their history and culture. The dunes were formed by the waves and wind and sometimes they rich heights up to 30 meters. Their shape changes over the years, so the dunes are known as the “moving dunes”.

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle was founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights who used it as their headquarters in a bid to defend Poland from enemy attacks and to continue their sovereignty over northern Baltic territories. The castle was rnhanced several times over the years to cope with growing numbers of knights until they surrendered in Königsburg in 1466. Today, Malbork is the most important attraction of the city with the same name.

It’s possible that when you have the intention to visit Krakow for the first time you will not know exactly what to expect. Maybe you know that the city is one of the few in Poland that were not destroyed during the Second World War and the architecture of its buildings is one of the oldest in the country. Krakow is the largest medieval market across Europe, Main Square (Main Market Square – also the second largest market in Europe after San Marco, Venice). And last but not least, perhaps you know that Polish beer named piwo is one of the best in Europe. What you do not know is that the city of Krakow has a special vibe that makes it one of the most romantic cities on the continent.

Probably since the arrival the steps will take you to the huge Main Square. With a long row of stalls in the city center, the Wawel Cathedral spiral towering in a corner, fountains and outdoor cafes everywhere, the Square combines medieval style with modern. Like most squares it is also full of pigeons. And when horses and carriages that are used instead of taxis arrive here, all the birds are flying away at the same time, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

The route can begin with a visit to Wawel Castle, which lies near the center of Krakow, near Vistula River. The castle was built in the sixteenth century and is now turned into the National Museum. The Court offers a stunning image of ancient architecture of the building, and a tour around its walls and turrets offers fascinating views of Krakow.

One of the castle’s corridors is leading the visitors below ground, close to the water, near the Vistula River. The river crosses the entire city and you will encounter numerous parks across its banks, ideal for picnics or for enjoying a bottle of wine (alcohol in public is legal in Poland).

Krakow

While admiring the Old Town, don’t miss the Lost Souls Alley: it’s a spooky place, where you have the chance to test your courage and nerves; see if you can deal with the ghouls and ghosts and if you can find your way back to the real life.

When the sun reaches the sunset, you can come back to the Square. Sit at a table in a café and order a glass of the famous Okoč Mocne beer (mocne means a high alcohol content). The market is still full of horse-drawn carriages, making their way through flocks of pigeons. From Wawel Cathedral you can hear the distinct sound of a horn.

Every hour sharp a bugle is playing from the cathedral bell tower. Its sound can be heard between 15 seconds and two minutes and reflect the mood of the bugler. At 6 o’clock in the afternoon, the tone is full of life. Take a walk at night in this place. The Square is empty, except for random couples strolling around. The bugle is playing again. The song is in perfect harmony: gentle and full of melancholy. It seems to embody centuries of emotions and desires that have leaked by through the ancient city of Krakow.

Situated on the Baltic coast, confined by Motlawa, a branch of the Vistula River delta, the Hel peninsula and the Gdansk bay, this city of the same name represents one of them most popular resorts of Poland.

Not only the natural landscape, but also the man-made scenery make up a beautiful dwelling which attracts a great number of visitors. The Vistula River has a very wide delta which has formed many little islands filled with beautiful architecture buildings: hotels, cranes, houses and granaries which confer the place a picturesque atmosphere and looks.

The historical area where the city of Gdansk is located in the heart of the Pomeranian Voivodship and together with two more cities, Sopot and Gdynia, it forms a conurbation that goes by the name of the Tricity, counting more than 750,000 inhabitants. Each location seems to have developed a strict role: while Gdynia is mainly a port, Sopot is a popular seaside resort and Gdansk is considered an important historical, economic and cultural center in the area and in the entire Poland.

The first official reports of Gdansk are known to date since 997 a.D., when the bishop of Prague, Saint Adalbert paid a visit in this area on a Christian mission in Pomerania, which was ruled by the dukes of Pomerania; afterwards, German settlers have arrived in a greater number and in the 14th century, the area was taken over by the Teutonic Knights, who renamed the place Danzig and turned it into a major trade center.

Throughout centuries, it was influenced by Scottish settler, by Prussian politics, by German impact, by French imperialism, each mark bringing a surplus of expressiveness on the face of the city.

The Old Town attracts many tourists, almost as any other touristic spot in Poland, like Warsaw or Krakow. A walk along the river bank Motlowa gives you the chance to find some of the finest restaurants that serve seafood dishes. Here you will be able to walk among ambulant vendors and purchase various amber or crystal objects of rare beauty, you can visit the Maritime Museum or you’ll be able to rest in a floating cafe.

After pass through the Green Gate, down the Long Street, you will face the river Motlawa. The view that opens from this place will also provide first contact with the way of life in Gdansk. But your eyes will quickly be attracted by the medieval crane of the port. Its silhouette looming over the water seems to be sitting on throne showing the physical evidence of the hundred-year relationship between Gdansk and sea. The crane was built in 1444, which makes it the oldest in Europe. If you go under it you’ll be able to see its intricate mechanism, massive chords and other tools.

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On the Polish maps you’ll find this street under the name of “Dluga”. From one end to another there is gathered a vast majority of sightseeing in Gdansk. The Long Street is the cultural and historical center of the city. Here are numerous museums, works of architecture, cafes, shops and obviously many opportunities for you to capture the most interesting snapshots.

Alongside this street there are countless attractions, such as the Holy Mary Church, which is the largest brick church in the world and climbing the roof will offer you a great view over the city. Before you soar to climb the 400 stairs that will lead in turn, give yourself a few moments to enjoy the extremely cold but enjoyable atmosphere in the church. Here you will see relics of the past, including a Pieta sculpture of wood, an astronomical clock 500 years old and a three-dimensional triptych of the Last Judgment.

You can also visit the monument built in honor of the naval workers, dedicated to events in the more recent history, when the social movement Solidarnosk, led by Lech Walesa, managed to impose themselves in front of the government and obtain acknowledgement after many persecutions.

The Great Mill is now a shopping center, but between 1350 and 1945 it was the largest medieval mill in Europe. If you venture inside you’ll be able to see objects found during the excavations. In its original form, the structure served as flour mill, barn and bakery. Outdoor water wheel is still found.

Besides that, there are many other beautiful places waiting to be discovered and lots of restaurants and pubs on all tastes and preferences that will allure you with the delicious Polish gourmet, and not only.

Zamosc is known to be the “ideal city”. Built in the Renaissance manner, “Padua of the North” is only one of the expressions that described the exotic architecture of Zamosc. What they understood by the “ideal city” was a city appealing for its residents, safe and most of all beautiful.

It was the polish Chancellor Jan Zamoyski who hired the Italian architect Bernardo Morando at the end of 19th century to design Zamosc, based on the anthropomorphic concept. The city was built to resemble to a human silhouette where the palace is the head, the main street plays the role of the spine and the Academy and the Cathedral are its lungs. The belly was represented by the crosswise road and the three markets, while the defensive bastions were the arms and the legs.

In 14 December 1992, Zamosc was inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. This means the city has to be protected from destruction and preserved as best as possible in an unchanged condition.

Because of its beauty and unique landscape, Zamosc is a favorite Eastern European destination among tourists. The historical buildings are situated inside the town’s defensive walls and that makes them an easy target for tourists in loved with Renaissance architectural designs. There are other attractions in Zamosc beside the Old Town. Family with kids can enjoy a visit at the zoological garden, for couples there is always the choice of a walk in the park or a movie at the modern cinema, the music lovers have the chance to listen the oldest symphonic orchestra in Poland, galleries, restaurants and cafes in Old Town’s basements are other places where tourists can feed their souls with beauty.

And if all you are looking for as a tourist in this place is to fall in love then you should fall in love with the colorful Armenian houses in the Market Square. It is great to know that back in the days these houses witnessed such a prolific multicultural exchange. Jewish people from Turkey and Italy came and settled here, as well as Armenians and Greeks. They were all having the same rights as the other residents. This made Zamosc a city of ethnic and religious freedom.

If you decide to go to Zamosc don’t hesitate to explore Roztocze district as well- a green area with a beautiful landscape, situated only 130km away from L’viv. Given the fact that Roztocze is a National Park, you can enjoy walking to its forests, and having the proper guide you might even see the wild boar, the red deer, the red fox and beautiful Polish ponies.

Many confuse Krakow with Warsaw, the capital of modern Poland, but Krakow is considered the cultural capital and is used to be the official one until 1596, when Poland was a kingdom. Krakow is located on the Northern bank of the Vistula River and the basis of this settlement is said to have been established by a brave cobbler, Szewczyk Dratewka, who fought a dangerous dragon, chased it out of the place and made it hide in a cave. That is why the effigy of Warsaw is a dragon.

http://culture.pl/

It is Poland’s second largest city, with a population of over 755,000 inhabitants and, some say it is definitely the most fascinating and elegant city of Poland, with three main areas which are not to be missed: the Old Center with the old cathedrals, the memorial house of Pope John Paul II, Barbican Palace, the old market – which is Europe’s largest market -, or Rynek Underground. Fortunately, Warsaw was not affected by the ravages of World War II, compared to other cities, and it preserves a great deal of its monuments, such as the former royal Wawel castle (considered one of the most visited spots) and the reputed Warsaw University – the oldest university in Europe, among many other sightseeings that are enclosed in a circle-shaped park named “Planty”.

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Afterwards you have the picturesque Jewish Quarter – Kazimierz, that looks like an open-air museum – a place of legend which inspired many fascinating novels and movies, such as “Schindler’s List”, which was actually filmed right there, on the spot, Seems that the director, Steven Spielberg, decided that the surroundings have preserved the very atmosphere of the era and it was a perfect set for his film. There, you can visit the factory of the real Schindler, the Jewish ghetto with the old drugstore and synagogue.

Another main touristic spot that you must not miss is the Castle, in fact an architectural complex made up of the cathedral built in the memory of Pope John Paul II, the citadel’s museums and the crypt of the former Polish president Lech Kaczynsky.

Kalwaria Zebridowska is known as “the Polish Golgota” and it represents an ensemble of convents and monasteries situated some 38 km north to Krakow. It is almost a small town of monastic settlements which become a part of U.N.E.S.C.O. patrimony in 1999.

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The elegance of the old monuments are well-known; the Art Nouveau buildings, the Medieval churches and other such monuments will definitely awe you and remain in your memory.

But besides the cultural attraction, there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars, making Krakow a vivid and colourful city. Restaurants offer the visitors a wide range of possibilities, from Japanese flavors, to Italian and, of course, traditional dishes. The services are great, the prices are lower than in other parts of Europe and people are greatly hospitable and lovely.

I personally have always been attracted to churches and cathedrals because these monuments inspire so much those gazing upon them. And I’m talking strictly from an artistic point of view. There are so many buildings which manage to move people due to the multitude of elements they encompass within their structure. Whether we are talking about the façade, the size of the edifice or the interior design, there is always something that impresses the visitors.

Wawel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church which still stands erect in the Polish town of Krakow after almost a century. There is much history behind the monument and many important events have occurred within the building, such as the coronations of monarchs. Moreover, it was in this specific cathedral where Pope John Paul II was ordained into priesthood.

http://pictures.polandforall.com/cracow-wawel-cathedral.html

But this type of historical accounts might not stir your interest so we should give a short description of the impressive edifice in order to better pinpoint why you should pay a visit to the Polish church.

First of all, it should be mentioned that the cathedral has a Gothic architectural design and that it guards several ‘jewels’ within its walls. The main altar is located in the main apse of the church and it dates back to the middle of the 17th century. Stepping forward towards the main altar, visitors will see how this is encompassed by 4 pillars made out of black marble which sustain atop a canopy. Moving your eyes away from the canopy and glancing below, one will notice the impressive silver coffin that reigns over the area. It is within this beautifully adorned sarcophagus that the remains of the national patron St Stanislau were laid to rest.

But this is only one of the many tombs which are sprinkled throughout the cathedral. To give another example, the sarcophagus of King Vladislav II Jagiello is located closely to the entrance of the church. It is constructed out of Hungarian red marble and influences of late Gothic art are visible. Even if the different names provided here might not ring any bells, it does not mean that you should dismiss the Wawel Cathedral as an unattractive touristic destination. On the contrary, you could gain some insight into the Polish history, but what is more important, you will be admiring sublime artistic manifestations.

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The cathedral is surrounded by 18 chapels, each an expression of art in itself. For example, the Chapel of the Holy Cross has drawn much attention due to the fact that it abounds in Russian frescos from the 15th century. It also prides itself with two exceptional triptychs which have been painted in the Gothic style.

If I have made you even a little bit curious about what this tourist attraction has to offer, then you should not doubt the fact that you have cross its threshold when you visit Poland.

About Eastern Europe

About Eastern Europe is a site that introduces you to the hidden charm of the eastern half of the Old Continent. Here you will find out about the major touristic sites of each country, and we will also present to you less known historical, cultural and geographic treasures that are less known to travelers worldwide. We gladly invite you to begin your tour on our site and decide which destination you will go to in your next holiday. We hope your bags are already packed, as you are one click
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